Mike Mettler

The Beach Boys sailed into quite a creatively fruitful period in 1972, and a new 180g 5LP+1EP box set dubbed Sail On Sailor - 1972 — slated to be released on November 18 via Capitol/UMe — captures the gist of their labors during such a key transitional year in the band’s history. In addition to the linchpin bookend releases Carl And The Passions – “So Tough” and Holland, this 105-track collection also includes 80 unreleased outtakes, live recordings, demos, alternate versions, alternate mixes, instrumentals, and a cappella tracks. Read on, reader to find out everything that lies within this historical Beach Boys collection. . .

Luxman has just announced a pair of new products that we find very much of interest — and we think you will too. To wit, the PD-151 MkII turntable offers an upgraded tonearm, while the L-507Z Class AB integrated amplifier is the flagship entry in the company’s new Z series. Read on to find out more about both pieces of intriguing gear. . .

If you love Lyra MC phono cartridges like we do, then you’ll relish the following: Lyra has selected MIBS Distro to be its official U.S. and Canadian distributor. Read on to see what cartridges will be available, and at what price levels. . .

Last week, I told you about strawberry fields, where — sorry, wrong Beatles reference. One, two, three, four (cough) — last week, I told you how it will be on October 28, when Apple Corps Ltd./Capitol/UMe will be releasing The Beatles seminal August 1966 album Revolver in a 180g 4LP/1EP Special Edition Super Deluxe box set. This week, I talk exclusively with producer Giles Martin about mixing and de-mixing Revolver, the “analog vs. digital” question, what Paul McCartney told him when they both listened to the new and original Revolver mixes together, and who ultimately makes the final calls on anything he mixes for The Beatles. Read on to find out just what he said, he said. . .